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U-Report in Zambia: Empowering Youth and Transforming Health

U-Report in Zambia: Empowering Youth and Transforming Health U-Report, a global counseling program initiated by UNICEF, encourages citizens to voice concerns or seek information on issues impacting their nations. Launched in Uganda in 2011, the program has expanded to 23 countries and engages more than 2 million active users. Use is primarily through the preferred mobile SMS method in each country.

The Launch of U-Report in Zambia

In 2012, Zambia launched its U-Report program, inspired by Uganda’s platform, to target HIV and enhance sexual and reproductive health. Expanding beyond its initial focus, Zambia’s U-Report now also addresses gaps in knowledge that contribute to stigma and low service utilization. The platform identifies areas needing improvement in sexual and reproductive health, mental health, education and nutrition.

In 2024, U-Report in Zambia boasts nearly 244,000 users, largely due to the program’s adaptability to its user base. Notably, 43% of participants are between the ages of 25 and 30.  This prompted the program to tailor its language and tone to resonate with young adults. Such adjustments enhance user comfort, encouraging them to openly share their experiences, opinions and needs with trained counselors. These counselors, in turn, relay this critical feedback to authorities, driving improvements in current systems to maximize effectiveness.

4 Main Components of U-Report

  1. Advice Line. The advice line is one of the core components of the platform. It provides confidential text exchanges with trained counselors who offer free, individualized information and advice on issues raised by U-Report users.
  2. Polling. Polls are conducted on the U-Report platform to gather feedback and opinions from Zambian youth on various social issues. The information from these polls highlights knowledge gaps and illuminates necessary new services and systems.
  3. Campaigns. U-Report campaigns send targeted messages to specific audiences based on age, sex and location. These messages promote risk reduction behaviors.
  4. Reporting. Reporting via U-Report enables users to report deficiencies in health services, such as a lack of essential medicines and equipment, prompting follow-up actions from health authorities.

HIV and AIDS Prevention

U-Report Zambia launched to combat the AIDS crisis by addressing the lack of HIV prevention information and the underuse of prevention services like protected sex and HIV preventive care. It now serves as an up-to-date knowledge bank on HIV and sexual reproductive health information. Additionally, the rise in mobile device usage has boosted user engagement. Within a short period, U-Report facilitated an additional HIV test for every five young individuals who had not been tested before 2016.

Mental Health Awareness Campaign

U-Report Zambia has made significant strides in spreading mental health awareness. In 2022, it launched a Mental Health Awareness Campaign titled “Let’s ‘Work It Out.” The campaign aims to destigmatize mental illness and support those seeking help. With only 15% of at-risk populations in Zambia receiving adequate mental health care, the campaign plays a crucial role in enhancing access to mental health knowledge. User feedback has also highlighted gaps in mental health services. U-Reporter Regina Twitty Chanda praised the platform, stating, “Zambia U-Report is creating a great platform for people who have gone through or are struggling with mental health.” Chanda emphasized the importance of accepting one’s condition and seeking treatment, underscoring that it is possible to lead a normal life thereafter.

Looking Ahead

U-Report Zambia continues to evolve, adapting its approach to better serve its growing user base of nearly 244,000 individuals. By tailoring its language and tone to resonate with young adults, the platform fosters an environment where users feel comfortable sharing their experiences and needs. The feedback gathered is crucial for informing authorities and driving system improvements. As U-Report expands its focus to include mental health, education and nutrition, it remains a vital tool in addressing and mitigating health challenges in Zambia.

– Lauren Thompson

Lauren is based in San Francisco, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Reducing the Gender Wage Gap in Zambia

Gender Wage Gap in ZambiaThe variation in pay between men and women, also known as the gender wage gap, is a prominent focus of the fight against poverty. According to the U.N. Women’s 2023 report, for every dollar men are paid, women in East and Southern Africa earn 81 cents. The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) recognized the large gender wage gap in Zambia and advised the government to “step up its efforts to take more proactive measures, including with employers’ and workers’ organizations, to raise awareness, make assessments, and promote and enforce the application of the principle of equal remuneration for men and women for work of equal value.”

Understanding the Gender Wage Gap

In the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index rankings, Zambia ranked 85th out of 146 countries, with a score of 0.699. The Global Gender Gap Index considers education, health, politics and economic involvement. On the scale of the score, zero equals imparity whilst parity equals one. Zambia’s Index decreased from 0.723 in 2022 to 0.699 in 2023.

In terms of the economy, account ownership of either a bank account or a mobile money service was lower for women (45%) than men (52.5%). This difference helps to understand the gender wage gap. Although the rate of women working in vulnerable employment remains at 80.1% in Zambia, the number of female workers in vulnerable employment has decreased since 1991.

Education is a huge part of tackling the gender wage gap in Zambia and on a global scale. In 2024, the U.N. Women launched its economic empowerment strategy to champion clearer accountability for plans to achieve gender equality. These goals include U.N. Women working together with organizations such as UNICEF and the World Bank to advocate for gender equality.

Improving Education

UNICEF and the London Stock Exchange Group Foundation created Zambian Girls 2030. This scheme emerged because of the Zambian government’s “Vision 2030” aiming for the country to become a middle-income nation by 2030. The number of girls dropping out of education after completing primary school is almost double that of boys of the same age. Zambian Girls 2030 involved internships focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and the girls who participated in the program met women working in these industries, including accountants and business owners. Between 2016 and 2018, almost 10,000 girls participated in the initiative’s school clubs, whilst 233 girls had the opportunity to complete the internship. Zambian Girls 2030 provided education opportunities to girls in Zambia which could further help reduce the gender wage gap.

One reason why girls drop out at a higher rate than boys after leaving primary school is the lack of transport. Between 2012 and 2022, World Bicycle Relief and the Ministry of Education in Zambia provided 36,977 girls living in rural areas with Buffalo Bicycles so they could attend school. This removal of one barrier to their education meant that these girls were 19% less likely to drop out of school than those without access to bicycles and the amount of lessons missed fell by 28%.

Financial Literacy

Mother’s Union is a women-led organization that addresses trafficking, unemployment and the financial empowerment of women. Across Zambia, more than 12,000 Mother’s Union members campaign against violence against women and advocate health awareness schemes.

Mother’s Union has been running the Literary and Financial Education Programme (LFEP) since 2000. The program educates both men and women. Therefore, the environment is one where both men and women realize the importance of furthering women’s education and how they can contribute to the household income.

The Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL) project has helped 96,000 women in Zambia to access support and opportunities. Projects such as these could challenge the gender wage gap by giving women the opportunity to have a more active role within the economy. The project links with the Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project, which aims to stop the challenges farmers face. Therefore, these two projects combine to allow women the opportunity to succeed through accessing opportunities within agribusiness.

Numerous initiatives are working to fight gender inequality in Zambia. By understanding the extent of gender equality, these schemes are addressing the causes of the gender wage gap.

– Amy Fox

Amy is based in Birmingham, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Assisting Zambia’s Agricultural Communities

Zambia’s Agricultural CommunitiesLocated in Southern Africa, Zambia is home to more than 20 million people. While the country had a poverty rate of 60% in 2022, it faces wide economic disparities. Its rural areas are home to approximately 82% of the country’s most impoverished population. However, poverty rates have steadily decreased in most urban areas.

Despite a slight rise in urban poverty since 2015 due to factors such as the impact of COVID-19, the urban poverty rate remains around 31.9%, which is about half the national average. This difference is usually attributed to the nature of industry, which differs between these regions. While rural areas primarily derive their income from the agricultural industry, urban areas have benefitted from the growth of construction and financial sectors.

Challenges Facing Zambia’s Agricultural Sector

Multiple factors have contributed to Zambia’s agricultural industry’s deterioration. A report by the International Growth Center (IGC) found that while the sector employs 59% of the workforce, it makes up only 3.4% of the country’s national gross domestic product (GDP). The IGC lists a number of factors that contribute to this underperformance, many of which converge around issues of low levels of funding and limited access to sophisticated technology, hindering farmers’ ability to harvest and deliver crops cost-effectively and efficiently.

The report outlines a specific issue: many farmers’ limited access to suitable finance and insurance. Where 85% of the credit is dedicated to larger-scale commercial producers, many small-scale farmers lack access to the same financial services. This limits their growth potential and makes it difficult for them to compete. Many of the factors contributing to agricultural decline are out of farmers’ control, such as increasing levels of drought. However, improving the accessibility of financial resources among Zambia’s agricultural communities would empower small-scale farmers. Additional finances would allow them to invest in efficient technology, make bigger agricultural investments and track their supply and demand.

Supporting Zambia’s Agricultural Communities

Various schemes have been introduced to support Zambia’s agricultural communities. The International Development Enterprises (iDE), a global organization that works to empower entrepreneurs in the fight against global poverty, has run a number of schemes across the country. Recognizing the impact technology can have, iDE has set up demonstration plots to showcase various labor-saving technologies, such as water-saving irrigation systems. These plots have become important centers of community for farmers to meet, sell products and learn about productive farming practices and technologies. iDE has also helped lift a number of rural farmers out of poverty through the provision of microloans, supplying them with the necessary capital to cover the costs of crops and propel their small businesses.

E-Commerce Empowering Zambia’s Agricultural Sector

The move toward introducing forms of e-commerce into Zambia’s agricultural communities has and will have, a profound impact. The introduction of e-commerce will empower and assist small-scale farmers to gain control and autonomy over their finances. Assisted with funding from the Citi Foundation, the World Food Programme (WFP) has recently introduced an initiative that seeks to boost financial inclusion and resilience among Zambia’s agricultural communities.

In addition to helping farmers further develop their financial literacy skills and increasing their access to affordable credit, the scheme aims to scale up the financial app “Maano.” This is an e-commerce platform that allows farmers to advertise their products and track levels of supply and demand. Schemes like this empower small-scale entrepreneurs, recognizing the benefits that financial autonomy and management can have for rural farmers.

Final Remark

The decline of Zambia’s agricultural productivity can be partially explained by large-scale factors such as increasing levels of drought and low government funding. However, declining levels of productivity and efficiency could be reduced through empowering farmers on an individual economic scale. By teaching farmers financial literacy skills, they will be able to manage their sales more efficiently. Furthermore, it will ensure that they are maximizing the economic potential of their crops. This financial control will also assist farmers in achieving long-term economic resilience in the face of possible market fluctuations.

– Aimee Masters

Aimee is based in London, UK and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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UN Initiatives To Address Severe Drought in Zambia

Drought in ZambiaIn February of 2024, the president of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, declared a national emergency due to significant drought and widespread hunger. The 2023-2024 rain season, which usually begins in September or October, instead began in January and lasted only one month. Since then, almost no rain has fallen. The United Nations (U.N.) estimates that the drought has destroyed more than two million hectares of crop fields and affects about 9 million people country-wide.

In response to the drought, which is considered Zambia’s worst drought in 20 years, the U.N. allocated $5.5 million in relief funding. In early May of 2024, the U.N.’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) submitted an appeal for another $228 million in funding. This additional aid, if approved, will bolster humanitarian efforts to address the drought in Zambia.

Rainfall and Crop Production

Zambia relies on rainfall for crop production and inconsistent rainfall means a serious lack of food. When subsistence farmers cannot harvest crops to feed their families, their only option is to purchase food. But even the commercial farmers who supply that food are struggling. As food production becomes more constrained, costs skyrocket, leaving millions hungry.

Alternative water collection methods, such as irrigation systems, are expensive and, therefore, not widely used in Zambia. Commercial farmers can sometimes obtain loans, which enable them to install such technology. However, subsistence farmers, without a consistent source of revenue, are often unable to receive such funding. The drought’s impact is felt most strongly among small-scale farmers who cannot water their crops, have no funding to install water technology and have limited means to purchase food.

Hydroelectricity

The drought in Zambia has extensive consequences beyond the food crisis. Zambia relies largely on hydroelectric power for its energy needs; about 80% of its total power is derived from hydroelectric sources. Low water supply has forced Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO), which supplies about 95% of the country’s energy needs, to limit power generation to only eight hours per day.

This widespread energy crisis has far-reaching consequences. According to the World Bank, “lack of reliable electricity severely restricts the country’s potential for improving per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and reducing poverty.” Furthermore, “increasing rural access to modern energy promotes social cohesion and assists the government in economic development initiatives.”

National Government’s Proposed Solutions

Zambia’s legislature has proposed realigning the national budget to allocate more funding toward drought relief. It also offers loans to subsistence farmers to install irrigation technology. For the most vulnerable people who simply have no access to food, Zambia plans to enhance its Social Cash Transfer Program (SCT), which aims to reduce extreme poverty.

To prevent future crises, Zambia plans to diversify its energy mix by adding other renewable sources, such as wind and solar. Relying less heavily on hydroelectric power will help mitigate the effects of future droughts on the nation’s farmers. The Zambian government has been in a debt restructuring process for three years, constraining its ability to give loans and direct cash aid to starving families. Hichilema is calling on the nation’s creditors to expedite the process, stating that “if this process does not close, it’s not just an indictment on Zambia but the global system.”

UN Initiatives

The World Food Programme (WFP), a branch of the United Nations, is working with Zambia to combat the current crisis. Its efforts include distributing food, using boreholes to find clean water and updating the country’s water technology systems. Cindy McCain, the executive director of the WFP, explains that the relief effort must focus on both long-term and short-term goals.

According to McCain, the short-term priority is increasing food availability. In contrast, long-term relief efforts would focus on preventative measures, such as installing irrigation systems and distributing drought-resilient seeds. The crucial first step is securing the additional $228 million in aid requested by OCHA. This funding infusion will greatly help the national government, the U.N. and other nongovernmental organizations meet the needs of the nation’s struggling farmers.

– Maren Fossum-Wernick

Maren is based in St. Paul, MN, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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From Pond to Plate: Aquaculture in Zambia Is Transforming Lives

Aquaculture in ZambiaIn Zambia, a landlocked country in southern Africa, fish serve as more than just sustenance; they are the very foundation of livelihoods. More than  30% of the country’s animal protein is derived from fish. As the population grows, the imperative of cultivating aquaculture in Zambia grows ever more pronounced, emerging as a pivotal conduit for securing food security and economic stability, especially within rural communities.

With the strategic interventions of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the collaborative efforts of government initiatives, Zambia is poised to harness the potential of its growing aquaculture sector. The nation aims not only to meet the nutritional needs of its populace but also to drive sustainable development while safeguarding its resources for generations.

The Prospects of Aquaculture in Zambia

Zambia is a prominent figure in Sub-Saharan Africa’s aquaculture landscape, standing as one of the continent’s leading producers of farmed fish. Within the agricultural sector, fisheries contribute significantly, constituting 3.2% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The nation boasts an annual production of 75,500 tons of tilapia, marking a nearly 10,000% increase since 1986. Despite this impressive growth trajectory, the demand for fish shows no signs of abating. Projections indicate a need for an additional 71,591 tons of fish by 2030 to meet the country’s surging population demand.

Zambia remains a net importer of fish, highlighting the persistent challenge of bridging the supply-demand gap in this vital sector. Therefore, the country stands to reap substantial macroeconomic benefits from expanding its aquaculture industry. By fostering growth in fisheries and enhancing common practices, the nation is primed not only to attain agricultural independence but also to address the pressing challenge of food insecurity, which affects 48% of the population. Recent research by the University of Stirling demonstrates the pivotal role aquaculture plays in bolstering food security in Zambia.

However, the expansion of the aquaculture industry holds promise beyond enhancing food production; it has the potential to alleviate poverty by creating employment opportunities and increasing incomes directly. Moreover, it facilitates coherent community development measures, offering a new avenue for revenue generation for entire lakeside towns. Aquaculture in Zambia often synergizes with crop agriculture, leveraging the fertile conditions and irrigation opportunities provided by lakes, fostering income diversification and growth. To ensure that farmers and fishermen can fully harness the benefits of aquaculture, various domestic and international initiatives are in place to provide support and assistance.

Zambian Government Initiatives

For decades, the Zambian government has played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of the aquaculture industry. In 2004, the introduction of the National Aquaculture Development Strategy (NADS) signaled a concerted effort to provide guidelines and support for private sector-led growth aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and bolstering production. Additionally, the establishment of the centralized Department of Fisheries underscores the government’s commitment to the sector, with five aquaculture centers positioned across the country.

These centers are tasked with conducting feasibility studies and research, particularly concerning fish nutrition and species selection, to drive innovation and sustainable development. Moreover, the Agriculture Commercialization Programme (ACP) offers low-risk financial services to farmers and fishermen, as well as provides a gateway to access relevant technologies.

Ultimately, the Zambian government’s commitment to empowering its fisheries and rural population is not only a testament to its dedication to food security but also to uplifting its most vulnerable citizens. By providing entrepreneurial and employment opportunities, initiatives like the ACP contribute significantly to poverty alleviation in Zambia.

Foreign Investment in Aquaculture

Foreign aid, particularly from USAID, plays a crucial role in fortifying aquaculture in Zambia as well. Through initiatives like feasibility tests, USAID provides invaluable insights into the profitability of aquaculture ventures, demonstrating that even modest investments can yield substantial returns.

For example, one such test revealed that the input costs for a 500 square meter pond, approximately $1,000, offer an impressive 42.38% internal rate of return.

USAID’s aquaculture initiatives in Zambia extend beyond research. For instance, the Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program facilitates access to emerging technologies, enhancing the quality and quantity of fish and produce available in local markets.

Similarly, FishFirst! Zambia and the USAID-Mississippi State University partnership at Zambia’s Feed The Future Innovation Lab for Fish prioritize research on fish nutrition and the development of fish-based products, such as instant porridge, which has notable potential for both domestic consumption and international export. These efforts not only promote entrepreneurship but also contribute directly to improved nutritional outcomes for rural communities.

Additionally, USAID programs equip rural Zambians with educational resources, imparting knowledge on the nutritional benefits of various fish species and offering practical guidance through recipe handbooks. Ultimately, foreign investment plays a pivotal role in augmenting food security and reducing poverty in Zambia by fostering innovation, education and economic opportunities.

Final Remark

Aquaculture in Zambia offers a promising avenue for sustainable economic growth and poverty alleviation as the country moves into the future. With support from domestic and international channels, there is immense potential for the expansion of the vital industry. With continued investment and collaboration, Zambia’s fisheries can play a pivotal role in achieving broader development goals and alleviating poverty through the creation of long-term, sustainable and profitable employment opportunities.

– Matthew Candau

Matthew is based in St. Andrews, Scotland and focuses on Business and New Markets and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Zambia’s Cholera Outbreak: The Battle for Public Health

Zambia’s Cholera OutbreakZambia’s recent cholera outbreak has been the catalyst for significant hardships for its population, with devastating consequences for public health. Since October 2023, there have been more than 10,887 cholera cases, with more than 432 reported deaths.

Cholera is a waterborne illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which produces a toxin in the small intestine, leading to loss of fluids and electrolytes. The bacterium manifests itself in contaminated water, which in turn affects underdeveloped countries lacking resources for proper water supplies and sewage disposal.

Densely populated areas such as Lusaka, with limited or no access to clean water and sanitation, are facing the worst consequences, with a devastating 4,443 cumulative cholera cases since October 2023.

Government Initiatives

In response to Zambia’s cholera outbreak, the Zambian government has taken decisive action through robust initiatives, including the Multi-sectoral Cholera Elimination Plan (MCEP) 2019-2025, with the aim to eliminate cholera by 2025. The MCEP has set six targets, including, but not limited to, improved surveillance of cases, reduction of the overall mortality rate of cholera by 90%, accelerated access to safe drinking water and conduction of oral cholera vaccination campaigns.

According to the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation, 39% of Zambia’s population does not have access to basic drinking water services. In comparison, 69% do not have access to basic sanitation services. The MCEP has estimated that in order to reach its targets, Zambia will need to provide basic water supply to 660,000, basic sanitation to 1.16 million and basic hygiene services to 1.46 million people yearly. In order to do so, the MCEP has set a budget for $99,345,493 over seven years, with $67,877,076 dedicated directly to water supply, sanitation and hygiene.

NGOs and International Aid Efforts

In addition to government initiatives, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and international aid agencies have played a crucial role in addressing Zambia’s cholera outbreak. For example, Oxfam and the Keepers Zambia Foundation (KZF) are working together to train volunteers to be health promoters. Volunteers help people who fall ill with cholera get oral rehydration therapy, refer patients to the hospital and encourage people to practice good hygiene. Furthermore, Oxfam is working with KZF to provide oral rehydration salts and chlorine to treat unsafe water, as well as providing equipment such as soap and clean buckets to prevent the further spread of cholera.

Another example of international aid efforts comes from WaterAid. The organization calls on global governments and stakeholders to invest funds in sustainable water resources, sanitation and hygiene services to support Zambia both immediately and in the future. Moreover, WaterAid Zambia is working with local Zambian communities to fight against waterborne diseases such as cholera. This includes education on basic hygiene practices and promotion of community-led sanitation initiatives. These are sustainable, long-term changes that address the root causes of the cholera outbreak in order to prevent any possible future outbreaks.

Innovations in Cholera Prevention

There are currently three WHO pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines: Dukoral, Shanchol and Euvichol. All of these vaccines require two doses for full protection. Dukoral requires a buffer solution of 150ml of clean water and protects for two years. Shanchol and Euvichol, however, do not require a buffer solution and protect from cholera for three years.

The latter two are currently available for mass vaccination campaigns in areas with an outbreak through the Global Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) stockpile, supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Currently, a mix of live, killed and conjugated vaccines are in development with the hopes of long-term protection and easy administration.

Conclusion

Zambia’s cholera outbreak has underscored the critical need for comprehensive public health interventions to address waterborne diseases effectively. While significant progress has been and continues to be made through government initiatives, NGO efforts and international aid efforts, challenges such as limited supplies and heightened demand persist. However, with sustained commitment, investment and community engagement, Zambia can work towards a future where the impact of cholera outbreaks is minimized and public health resilience is strengthened.

– Emily Weir
Photo: Flickr

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How Mary’s Meals Is Reducing Hunger in Zambia

Mary's MealsZambia, a landlocked nation on a plateau in South-Central Africa, grapples with formidable challenges. Less than 5% of its land is arable, limiting opportunities for agricultural productivity. Consequently, more than one million schoolchildren in Zambia face the harsh reality of attending classes on empty stomachs, depriving a significant portion of the youth population of education.

Zambia continues to struggle with high malnutrition rates, ranking among the world’s highest. Recent reports from 2023 reveal a stark reality. Nearly 48% struggle to meet their daily minimum calorie requirements. At the same time, 35% of children suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition. Contributing to these distressing figures are inadequate and unhealthy diets, suboptimal feeding practices and a widespread lack of nutritional knowledge.

In response to this urgent humanitarian crisis, Mary made significant strides in alleviating hunger in Zambia. Mary’s Meals originated as Scottish International Relief (SIR), a charitable organization. When Magnus traveled to Malawi in 2002 during a famine and saw a mother who was dying of AIDS, Edward, her oldest kid, stated succinctly, “I want to have enough food to eat and to go to school one day,” in response to Magnus’ question on his life goals.

That incident inspired the establishment of Mary’s Meals, which started in 2002 by providing food for just 200 children in Malawi. Providing essential school meals addresses immediate nutritional needs and offers a vital lifeline to hungry children. Beyond combating hunger, this initiative opens the doors to education, empowering children with the opportunity to learn and thrive.

Mary’s Meals

The Mary’s Meals initiative took root in 2002, sparked by founder Magnus MacFarlane–Barrow’s eye-opening visit to Malawi during a devastating famine. Witnessing the profound impact of hunger firsthand, he was inspired to kickstart the foundation Mary’s Meals, which is committed to ensuring every kid receives a daily meal at school because of the firm belief that every child deserves access to education and sufficient nutrition. After seeing the critical need in Zambia, the nonprofit organization expanded its purpose in 2014 to address the region’s high malnutrition rates, poverty and food insecurity.

The charity began its journey by providing meals to 200 children in Malawi. Since then, it has expanded its reach exponentially, nourishing 2,429,182 children daily across 18 countries. By nourishing young minds and bodies, these meals empower children to focus on their education, fostering a generation capable of lifting themselves. Furthermore, Mary’s Meals envisions sustainable change, aiming for local communities and governments to increase their contributions progressively, amplifying the program’s impact. Through its commitment to reducing hunger, Mary’s Meals ignites a transformative ripple effect that reverberates throughout entire communities, paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

Feeding Children

Mary’s Meals significantly impacts and alleviates hunger in Zambia by providing daily meals to 420,896 children across 752 schools. Central to this effort is the involvement of community volunteers who dedicate themselves to serving these meals, underlining the importance of fostering strong community ties for the sustained success of the school feeding program. Mary’s Meals stands out as the primary provider of school meals across all 10 districts in the Eastern Province, an area characterized by limited income stability and inadequate access to food and social support. According to a survey conducted between 2014 and 2019, children in Zambia who benefited from Mary’s Meals were six times less likely to experience hunger at school than their counterparts who did not receive such assistance.

Research and Results

In Zambia, a recent study revealed that after five years of receiving Mary’s Meals, the proportion of children who never fretted about hunger surged by 45%, underscoring the substantial impact of Mary’s Meals in addressing hunger in the region. This has led to a 25% increase in school enrollment rates and a notable decrease in absenteeism. These findings emphasize Mary’s Meals’ tangible and noteworthy effects on children’s well-being. The study affirms the organization’s efficacy in combating hunger in Zambia and its positive influence on children’s nutritional status, vitality and overall welfare.

– Arabella Wood-Collins
Photo: Flickr

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Improving Primary School Teaching Deployment in Zambia

Improving Primary School Teaching Deployment in Zambia A recent United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) report highlights Zambia’s significant strides in expanding its education system. However, in the same report, the organization outlines that improvements to education quality have not kept pace in the same way. The country faces a teacher shortage, exacerbated by unequal teacher distribution. Improving teaching deployment in Zambia therefore seems to be of the utmost priority in ensuring an improvement in overall education quality.

The Government of Zambia has made the strengthening of recruitment and placement of teachers a key priority within the Ministry of Education (MoE). As such it has committed to the deployment of tens of thousands of new teachers across the country.

Key findings of the report

UNICEF outlines key findings during its analysis of the current education system of Zambia:

  • Inequitable Distribution of Teachers. The inequitable distribution of teachers contributes to significant disparities in learning conditions and class sizes. The data concludes that larger class sizes are associated with a more negative performance for students at the Grade 7 level.
  • Teachers Allocation. Teacher distribution across Zambia suffers both nationally and locally. While national data examines teacher allocation in large provinces, a closer look at individual districts reveals a more severe problem. Approximately one-quarter of all districts face significant teacher shortages, with pupil-to-teacher ratios reaching 80:1, double the MoE’s target. This disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions to balance teacher distribution and address educational inequalities.
  • Gender-equitable education Access. Remote and rural schools experience severe teacher shortages, with an even more acute scarcity of female teachers. This shortage significantly impacts gender-equitable education access, as UNICEF emphasizes the crucial role of female educators in encouraging the enrollment, retention and education of girls.
  • Pupil-to-teacher ratios (PTRs). Disparities in pupil-to-teacher ratios (PTRs) exacerbate inequities across different grades within schools, notably disadvantaging younger children. The report indicates that lower grades experience significantly higher PTRs compared to higher grades, undermining the quality of teaching for younger students. This disparity severely impacts the development of foundational learning skills at a critical stage in a child’s educational journey.
  • Primary School Teaching Deployment. The Zambian government, recognizing the critical issue of primary school teacher deployment, has taken steps through the Ministry of Education to address it. In 2022, it allocated 30,496 additional teachers and committed to increasing this number in the coming years to meet educational needs.

Recommendations for Policymakers

UNICEF has also outlined some key recommendations for dealing with the problems associated with the key findings of its report:

  • Localized Data. Use localized data in decision-making rather than broader data sourced from the provinces. This will in turn give a more realistic picture of the primary school teaching deployment in Zambia.
  • Teacher Recruitment and Retention. Give greater priority to teacher recruitment and retention in rural Zambia. This can be done by strengthening financial incentives for prospective teachers as well as addressing the physical constraints of living a more remote life.
  • Female Teachers. Address the lack of female teachers in rural areas by encouraging these teachers to move to remote areas by improving safety and security, difficulties in mobility as well as hygiene and sanitation needs. These measures may only be mitigated by additional investment in school infrastructure.
  • Teacher Deployment. Prioritize teacher deployment in the earlier grades by providing policy guidance for the school leaders and incentivizing teachers to spend more time in these classes.
  • Localized Teacher Transfers. Ensure that teacher transfers are localized to districts rather than across the country. This will ensure an equalized teaching standard for that district as well as reduce the risk of displacing teachers, increasing the likelihood of them staying at their assigned schools.
  • Local Authorities. Decentralizing educational powers empowers local actors and community members to be heavily involved in local schooling. These people will have greater one-to-one knowledge of teachers, parents and children and can tailor their needs and preferences. This personalized experience will ensure much better on-the-ground decision-making when it comes to teacher transfers and compliance.

Looking Forward

The Zambian government estimates a need for more than 115,000 more teachers to serve primary-level students adequately. UNICEF hopes its report and recommendations will support the country’s efforts to meet this critical demand for teaching deployment in Zambia.

– Domenico Palermo
Photo: Flickr

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Changemaker: Fighting for Refugee Children in Zambia

Refugee Children in ZambiaZambia is a landlocked country located in southern Africa. Due to its unique geography, Zambia hosts approximately 105,000 refugees predominantly from bordering countries such as Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and former Rwandan and Angolan colonies. Many of these refugees and asylum seekers live in three main refugee settlements in Meheba, Mayukwayukwa and Mantapala, with some residing in Lusaka, the capital city.

The Experience of Refugee Children in Zambia

The nature of being a refugee or asylum seeker involves plenty of travel. As such, many organizations, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), have identified many violations of basic human rights during this process. In particular, refugee children seem to be dramatically affected by the process of claiming asylum. Challenging discrimination against refugee children in Zambia is one of the key case studies in UNICEF’s research on the issue. Others range from child marriage, child labor and gender-based violence.

A New Approach by UNICEF

To tackle these issues, UNICEF Zambia decided to organize what it calls a “Changemaker Workshop” in Lusaka. These workshops are designed to foster inclusion with refugee children in Zambia to directly address the unique problems they face daily, as well as canvassing for solutions.

The initiative involved 20 children aged 13 to 19 who shared their personal experiences as refugees living in Zambia. They were encouraged to highlight adversities faced while navigating the asylum process, detailing instances of discrimination and the challenges of living as orphans or being raised in child-headed households, typically led by an older sibling. As a UNICEF Changemaker, these refugee children can actively participate and consult on issues that directly affect them. Furthermore, they can provide better information to charitable organizations like UNICEF to develop a better outcome for them.

The Impact of the UNICEF Changemaker Program

As a direct result of this initiative, UNICEF has compiled valuable feedback from the participants. Many have proposed practical solutions to various challenges they face, including:

  1. Access to clean water and sanitation.
  2. Encouraging the refugee community to adopt reuse, reduce and recycle practices.
  3. The creation of more learning opportunities in the program.
  4. Establishing additional youth groups focused on teaching skills like writing, reading and organized sporting activities.
  5. Ensuring key information such as paper processing, environmental protection, reporting security issues and access to clean hygiene and sanitation services are presented in a way that can be understood by refugee children.

UNICEF Zambia says that these workshops enable a greater level of participation from refugee children in Zambia in a meaningful way. Consequently, the organization is expanding this initiative by collaborating with partners to establish additional safe spaces for children. This aims to amplify the voices of more adolescent refugees, fostering a platform where their perspectives are heard and solutions are envisaged.

– Domenico Palermo
Photo: Flickr

Zambia’s Creative Cures to Combat Its Housing Crisis

Housing CrisisGlobally recognized as having one of the highest levels of poverty and inequality, Zambia has a long journey ahead to overcome this poverty, which was further exacerbated following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, arguably the greatest factor prolonging the struggle against poverty is its housing crisis. A shortage of quality and available housing leads to social unrest, the spread of diseases, medical challenges, water insecurity and limited employment opportunities. Therefore, the Zambian government has identified improved housing as one of its top priorities. It is developing creative cures to combat its housing crisis.

Why the Housing Crisis Arose

  1. Social factors: Zambia is not only experiencing a rapidly growing population, approximately 19.6 million as of 2021, but it is also projected to double in the next 25 years. It stands out as “one of the world’s youngest countries in terms of median age.” A population largely of working-age people results in an increased demand for jobs, support and housing at a rate that the current development cannot match.

  2. Rapid economic development: Zambia has become rapidly urbanized over the last few decades, perpetuating rising incomes and employment opportunities. Although this is a hugely positive step forward in the fight against poverty and insufficient economic and industrial operations, the rate with which these changes have come about has surpassed developments in infrastructure. This has exacerbated the housing deficit, at 1.5 million homes in 2023, but is projected to increase to three million by 2030. As a result, 70% of Zambia’s urbanites live in slums, necessitating creative cures to combat the housing crisis.

  3. Existing poverty: Although recent urbanization and industrial development have elevated the economic status of many Zambians, such progression has yet to penetrate rural populations. The main reasons for this are “while the agricultural sector is projected to grow, it hardly accounts for population growth and the sector is subject to high volatility.”

    The economic situation remains unstable and unpredictable. “More than 61% (2015) of Zambia’s 19.6 million people earn less than the international poverty line of $2.15 per day.” This means that although there are not enough houses to be purchased by those who have benefitted from the recent economic prosperity, a significant portion of the population still faces financial constraints preventing them from affording any available developed housing.
  1. Legislation: Apart from an insufficient number of houses, there are also issues with legislation around property ownership. The process of registering land takes an average of one year, leaving people without homes yet already engaged in the economic process of purchasing land. Current legislation fails to guarantee access to land, housing finance and security of tenure, as well as materials and skilled labor workforces. Challenges extend beyond legally securing the right to build or own a property, encompassing hurdles in the physical processes of construction and maintenance.

Steps Taken To Overcome the Housing Crisis

Although the housing crisis in Zambia constitutes a serious challenge, many methods are being researched and introduced. Zambia’s creative cures to combat the housing crisis strive to balance the housing deficit and address those areas of the population for whom property ownership remains economically inviable.

  1. Innovative construction methods: The Zambian government seeks to develop more economically and environmentally friendly construction materials as one of its creative cures to combat the housing crisis. Through public-private partnerships and with financial support from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (MIHUD), a skilled labor force is being trained to “develop stabilized soil bricks,” offering a “low-cost and sturdy material for constructing quality houses.”

  2. Technology: The Land Survey Amendment Act of 2021 has promoted the “digitization of records to speed the process of title deeds,” so far addressing “approximately 300,000 records.”

  3. Financial support: For those with a monthly income of more than ZMW6,600 ($398), “Zambia Home Loans” offers supplementary financing for construction and land purchases. There are also more affordable schemes for those with less economic security. “Rent-to-own programs” provide more short-term housing opportunities, allowing renters to gain employment and economic security from a stable home. Alongside financial aid to potential renters and buyers, the Zambian government is providing funding for the construction of properties, signing agreements with “unions and banks to construct more than 40,000 units within the next decade,” constituting a “$1.4 billion investment for programs across the country.”

  4. Nonprofit support: The MIHUD works alongside private players to deliver “low-cost units for households residing in informal settlements.” Private partners include The Horizon Properties and Habitat for Humanity Zambia. Habitat for Humanity targets the nation’s most vulnerable groups. As a humanitarian organization, it has a plethora of programs in place to target areas such as water and sanitation needs as well. By actively participating in property construction and facilitating interest-free mortgages (micro-loans), the organization aims to promote housing security at all stages of the home-owning process.

Conclusion

Although it is undeniable that the housing crisis in Zambia is a serious challenge in the battle against poverty, the Zambian government and many other internal and external organizations have made it their mission to devise creative cures to combat the issue.

– Chloe Thomas
Photo: Flickr